Music Brings Joy to People Living with Dementia During Dementia Action Week

Residents, staff and families at Wesley Mission Queensland’s Parkview residential aged care community, located in Brisbane’s northern  suburbs, celebrated Dementia Action Week last week with a concert of classic songs and instrumental performances. 

Kay Scott, Parkview’s Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, said she organised the concert, led by Parkview’s Fraser Community Choir, to highlight the abilities of people living with dementia.

“We have many talented musicians living at Parkview, many of whom have dementia. The concert was our way of showing residents that they remain an important part of the community and to celebrate life through music,” Mrs Scott said.

“It was really special to see residents and staff supporting each other and experiencing the genuine joy music can bring to a person’s day.”

Music is an important part of the lives of residents at Parkview, with a music therapist running regular group music sessions and a choir.

Mrs Scott said music was a tool that could connect people to their past and present.

“The wonderful thing about music is that people of all abilities can join in and gain so much happiness from it.

“It is always amazing to see people who are otherwise unable to speak or communicate suddenly bursting into a song that they remember from another part of their life.”

The Fraser Community Choir will be performing at Parkview residential aged care home at 1:30pm, Tuesday 15 October.

Find out more about Wesley Mission Queensland.

Pictured: Parkview residents Daphne and Ed enjoy the special concert during Dementia Action Week